HUDSON COUNTY -- The National Guard was called into Hoboken Wednesday, and most other Hudson County towns (Jersey City, Bayonne, Weehawken, and the other waterfront towns) dealt with flooding, downed power lines, very limited phone service and often limited or no internet service after predictions of a devastating hurricane finally proved true.

In New Jersey, years of storms that turned out weaker than expected might have made otherwise savvy residents complacent about the destruction a direct hit can do.

Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey Shore Monday night with high winds and some rain, but its effects were worse afterward, as many residents were without power as the nights grew colder. Some did not have a way to recharge their phones. Phone service and internet access was limited or non existent in many places. Access to ATMs and other necessary services was also limited.

In downtown Hoboken, flood waters - which could contain gas or currents from downed power lines - trapped thousands of people in their homes, a situation that made national news. The National Guard was called in and Mayor Dawn Zimmer pleaded for donations of food and help.

Uptown, a few blocks had power (Garden and 11th and thereabouts) and neighbors came outside to offer free phone charges to anyone who came by. Many did. one family even cooked eggs for those who were hungry.

Like you, our access at the Hudson Reporter/Bayonne Community News family of newspapers, based in Hoboken and Bayonne, is periodic for now, but we will publish updates. We appreciate your patience and wish the best for you, your neighbors, and your families. Watch for more coverage at hudsonreporter.com.